The Culture of Woodworking and Amish Furniture

We live in a world of advancing technologies andthe wood's grain, and ultimate, finished look of the
bustling businesses. Within major city areas andproduct.
beyond, people eagerly await opportunities toAmish made furniture began gaining popularity in the
perform tasks quicker and more efficiently. With suchearly 1900s as American folk art also began to gain
a fast-paced tempo set in place, it is hard to imaginetraction within society. Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana
a business culture that values patience and meticulousare known for hosting Amish societies and thus also
attention to detail. Such is the culture of Amishhouse many practitioners of Amish country furniture.
woodworking, which produces sought-after AmishAmish woodwork is championed due to its durability
furniture.and unassuming style. The elegant, yet modest styles
Amish made furniture offers a contrast to the wayallow the furniture to present well in many settings
many larger manufacturers assemble furniture inthroughout a household including outdoor settings.
today's world. Large manufacturers leverage anTwo, major schools of Amish furniture are the
assembly-line type of production. Due to availableMission and Shaker styles. The former is
resources and advanced machinery, big companiescharacterized by straight lines and conspicuous
can produce hundreds of pieces of furniture within ajoinery, while the latter is known for its durability and
week. Alternatively, Amish made furniture isfunctionality.
constructed with no advanced machinery, no use ofWoodworking is a well-respected trade within the
laminates or particle board, and is hand-crafted byAmish community. The knowledge of woodworking is
practitioners.often shared through generations and offers little
Amish tables, chairs, bedroom furniture, and beyondroom for adaptation to modern machinery. Due to
are all crafted with tenacity in mind. Practitioners handthe close working relationship with the wood,
select sustainable pieces of wood that will acceptpractitioners are highly-knowledgeable about wood,
meticulous design work as well as last for years tovarying properties, and the opportunity to manipulate
come. Great attention is paid to the type of wood,particular grains.